Analysis method of automatic analyzer

ABSTRACT

An analysis method of an automatic analyzer is provided. The automatic analyzer includes: an insertion unit into which a rack is inserted; a transport line that transports the rack; a detection unit that detects a rack identifier from a rack or an attribute from a sample container which accommodates therein a sample as an object to be examined and which is mounted on a rack; an analysis module that includes a light source and a spectrometer which measures a measurement value to analyze a sample; a rack standby unit in which a rack stands by; and, a rack recovery unit that recovers a rack. In the automatic analyzer, a rack stands by in the rack standby unit until a measurement result in the analysis module is output; and is then recovered to the rack recovery unit. The analysis method includes: a step of transporting a rack from the rack insertion unit to the transport line, making the transported rack stand by until a measurement result in the analysis module is output, and then recovering the rack to the rack recovery; a step of detecting an identifier from the rack or an attribute from a sample container accommodating a sample and mounted on the rack; and a step of, when a rack transported subsequent to the rack of interest is transported from the rack insertion unit to the transport line, recovering the subsequent rack to the rack recovery unit without standing by in the rack standby unit.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to an automatic analyzer that performsquantitative analysis and qualitative analysis of a biological samplesuch as blood and urine, and more particularly, to an automatic analysissystem including a transport apparatus that transports a samplecontainer to an analyzer.

BACKGROUND ART

An automatic analyzer that automatically performs quantitative analysisand qualitative analysis of a biological sample such as blood and urinehas become drastically widespread centering on large hospitals andclinical examination stations which need to process a large number ofexamination objects of patients to be examined in a short time, andvarious types of large, medium, and small-sized automatic analyzers havebeen developed depending on processing capabilities thereof. Inparticular, a large-sized apparatus that analyzes and processes a largenumber of examination objects may transport a plurality of examinationobject containers each having an examination object put thereinto to aplurality of analyzers through a transport line (transport apparatus) ina state where the examination object containers are held in a holdercalled an examination object rack. In such an apparatus, a laboratorytechnician automatically executes the output of an analysis result byonly inserting the examination object rack into an examination objectrack insertion port.

In this case, a type of rack and an examination object are recognizedand analyzed by a bar code reading apparatus on the transport lineduring the transport of the examination object rack inserted into theexamination object rack insertion port through the transport line havinga belt conveyor shape. As such an automatic analysis system, anautomatic analysis system as disclosed in, for example, PTL 1 is known.

In addition, as disclosed in PTL 2, a plurality of analysis units aredisposed along a transport line constituted by a belt conveyor, a racksupply unit is disposed on one end side of the transport line, and arack recovery unit is disposed on the other end side thereof. Inaddition, a rack standby unit is disposed at the front of the rackrecovery unit so that reexamination can be automatically performed.

In addition, an automatic analyzer as disclosed in PTL 3 is known. Theautomatic analyzer classifies types of examination objects for eachexamination object rack to consistently perform automation from thetransport of a plurality of types of samples (examination objects)accommodated in sample containers for the respective types to theregistration of measurement data of analysis results during theoperation of the same analysis system.

CITATION LIST Patent Literature

PTL 1: JP-A-10-325839

PTL 2: JP-A-10-213586

PTL 3: JP-A-03-255366

SUMMARY OF INVENTION Technical Problem

In such an automatic analyzer, in a case where a measurement result isabnormal, the apparatus itself has an automatic reexamination functionof automatically performing remeasurement. Each facility is operated byswitching between validation and invalidation of the automaticreexamination depending on operation.

A situation often occurs in which the measurement of an examinationobject, such as an extremely small amount of examination object, whichis not desired to be subjected to automatic reexamination is performedduring operation in validated automatic reexamination. The automaticreexamination function is a function of causing the apparatus todetermine the necessity of remeasurement on the basis of a firstmeasurement result and to automatically perform remeasurement. Anexamination object stands by in a rack standby unit until at least thefirst measurement result is output, and cannot be taken out from theapparatus. The extremely small amount of examination object is not oftensufficient to be subjected to remeasurement, and is desired to beimmediately taken out from the apparatus as soon as possible after thedispensing of the examination object in the first measurement isterminated. In addition, the examination object desired to beimmediately taken out from the apparatus wastefully stays in theapparatus, which causes the retardation of the rack and a decrease in athroughput of the measurement. In addition, a time is required for themeasurement, such as in a case where the same examination objectcontainer is desired to be used for measurement in another analyzer asit is.

For this reason, in a case of such an examination object, there is ademand that measurement is desired to be performed by invalidatingautomatic reexamination. However, in the present situation, in a casewhere an automatic reexamination mode is switched, it is necessary toreturn the apparatus from a measurement state to a standby state, andthus a time is required for remeasurement.

As a solution therefor, means for adding validation and invalidationinformation of automatic reexamination to examination object informationto be measured is considered. However, in a case of a rack on which aplurality of examination object containers can be mounted, when anautomatic reexamination-validated examination object and an automaticreexamination-invalidated examination object are installed together inone rack, even the automatic reexamination-invalidated examinationobject cannot be taken out until a first measurement result for theautomatic reexamination-validated examination object is output, whichresults in an inconvenient situation. For this reason, useability ismore improved when automatic reexamination is switched in units of racksthan when automatic reexamination is switched in units of examinationobjects.

In a case where switching is performed in units of racks, there isconsideration of means for defining the range of an automaticreexamination-invalidated rack ID in advance, similarly to a case wherea range of a rack ID for identifying an examination object rack isdefined for each type of examination object in the present situation,and invalidating automatic reexamination of an examination objectmounted on the examination object rack by recognizing the rack ID.

However, in this case, since the range of the rack ID is defined foreach of a plurality of types of examination objects, and the range of anautomatic reexamination-invalidated rack ID is defined for each type ofexamination object, it is necessary to perform range setting by anextent of a number obtained by multiplying the types of examinationobjects and the validation or invalidation of automatic reexaminationtogether, and the range of the rack ID becomes complicated, which mayresult in a concern that an operator mounts an examination object on awrong examination object rack.

In addition, since the number of times of measurement of an extremelysmall amount of examination object changes depending on a situation ofthe day, the setting of a narrow range of the rack ID may result in theinsufficiency of examination object racks, and the setting of a widerange of the rack ID may result in the other unusable examination objectracks.

An object of the invention is to provide an analysis method of anautomatic analyzer capable of switching between validation andinvalidation of automatic reexamination without stopping measurement byefficiently using an examination object rack. Further, another object ofthe invention is to provide an analysis method of an automaticreanalyzer capable of switching between various apparatus operationmodes by using an examination object rack other than switching betweenvalidation and invalidation of automatic reexamination.

Solution to Problem

A representative configuration of the invention for accomplishing theabove-described objects is as follows.

An analysis method of an automatic analyzer is provided. The automaticanalyzer includes: an insertion unit into which a rack is inserted; atransport line that transports the rack; a detection unit that detects arack identifier from a rack or an attribute from a sample containerwhich accommodates therein a sample as an object to be examined andwhich is mounted on a rack; an analysis module that includes a lightsource and a spectrometer which measures a measurement value to analyzea sample; a rack standby unit in which a rack stands by; and, a rackrecovery unit that recovers a rack. In the automatic analyzer, a rackstands by in the rack standby unit until a measurement result in theanalysis module is output; and is then recovered to the rack recoveryunit. The analysis method includes: a step of transporting a rack fromthe rack insertion unit to the transport line, making the transportedrack stand by until a measurement result in the analysis module isoutput, and then recovering the rack to the rack recovery; a step ofdetecting an identifier from the rack or an attribute from a samplecontainer accommodating a sample and mounted on the rack; and a step of,when a rack transported subsequent to the rack of interest istransported from the rack insertion unit to the transport line,recovering the subsequent rack to the rack recovery unit withoutstanding by in the rack standby unit.

The operation mode switching rack may be defined as two types of anoperation mode ON rack and an operation mode OFF rack, and one type ofoperation mode may be defined as the operation mode switching rack sothat switching between turn-on and turn-off of the operation mode isperformed for every recognition of the rack.

In addition, the operation mode switching rack may perform switching inboth cases of a general examination object and an urgent examinationobject, or switching may be performed separately in an operation modeswitching rack of a general examination object and an operation modeswitching rack of an urgent examination object.

In addition, the operation mode switching rack is not limited to a rackthat transports an examination object, and may be a rack, having a rackID attached thereto, which is capable of being transported through atransport line.

In addition, the identification of the operation mode switching rack maybe performed using a rack exclusively used for switching instead ofusing the rack ID. In this case, a rack shape exclusively used forswitching which is different from a normal rack shape used formeasurement is used, and means for identifying the rack shape may beprovided so as to recognize the rack exclusively used for switching andswitch an operation mode.

In addition, as the rack exclusively used for switching, coating withspecial color is performed, and a sensor that recognizes the coatingcolor of the rack may be provided so as to recognize the rackexclusively used for switching and switch an operation mode.

In addition, the identification of the operation mode switching rack maybe performed so as to switch an operation mode by installing a testtube, having a bar code for switching an operation mode attachedthereto, on the rack and recognizing the bar code of the test tube,instead of using the rack ID.

Advantageous Effects of Invention

According to the invention, a rack is used as a switch for switching anapparatus operation mode such as an automatic reexamination mode, andthus it is possible to efficiently use the rack to be used for operationand to switch an operation mode while continuing measurement.

In addition, it is possible to alleviate the retardation of the rack inan apparatus by automatic reexamination standby, to take out anexamination object from the apparatus without waiting for the output ofa measurement result, and to efficiently perform operation.

In addition, it is not necessary to perform range setting of a rack IDby multiplying the type of examination object and the validation orinvalidation of automatic reexamination together, which eliminates aconcern that an operator mounts an examination object on a wrongexamination object rack due to the complication of the range of the rackID.

In addition, an operation mode switching rack is inserted when racks areinstalled side by side in a supply tray in order of insertion so that itis easy to visually know from which rack an operation mode is to beswitched before the insertion into the apparatus, and thus it ispossible to easily prevent an erroneous operation.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the entire configuration ofan automatic analyzer according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates a screen for setting a rack ID of an automaticreexamination switching rack according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 3 illustrates an example of the installation of a rack in a rackinsertion unit according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 4 illustrates a flow of identification processing of the automaticreexamination switching rack according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 5 illustrates a flow of automatic reexamination switchingprocessing during first measurement according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 6 illustrates a flow of automatic reexamination switchingprocessing during reexamination measurement according to the firstembodiment.

FIG. 7 illustrates a screen on which the state of automaticreexamination according to the first embodiment is displayed.

FIG. 8 illustrates a screen for setting a rack ID of a switching rack ofa data abnormal value check according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 9 illustrates a flow of identification processing of the switchingrack of the data abnormal value check according to the secondembodiment.

FIG. 10 illustrates a flow of data abnormal value check processingduring the output of a measurement result according to the secondembodiment.

FIG. 11 illustrates a screen for setting a switching rack ID of hostrequest inquiry according to a third embodiment.

FIG. 12 illustrates a flow of switching processing of host requestinquiry according to the third embodiment.

FIG. 13 illustrates a flow of host request inquiry processing accordingto the third embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view illustrating the entire configuration ofan analysis module according to an embodiment of the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Hereinafter, embodiments for implementing the invention will bedescribed.

An operation mode used in an example refers to various modes such as amethod of performing control on an object to be transported such as anexamination object rack carried into an apparatus, a method ofperforming display when a certain condition is satisfied, and whether ornot the apparatus and a host communicate with each other. The operationmodes include a mode in which the apparatus executes or does not executepredetermined control (the control includes the control of transport ofthe examination object rack, the control of notification, the control ofdisplay, and the like) automatically when a certain condition issatisfied, and a mode in which the apparatus automatically executescontrol different from that when the certain condition is satisfied.

In addition, regarding an operation mode switching rack, since it is notassumed that a general examination object is loaded thereon, unlike arack for a general examination object. Accordingly, the operation modeswitching rack may have a shape and structure that do not allow ageneral examination object to be loaded thereon, but will be called arack in this specification for convenience of description.

In addition, the operation mode switching rack is a member for notifyingthe apparatus of the switching of an operation mode, and may have astructure capable of being carried into the apparatus. Since theoperation mode switching rack has a structure capable of being carriedinto the apparatus, the operation mode switching rack is a member havingat least the same longitudinal and lateral lengths of the bottom surfaceas those of a general examination object rack.

Example 1

In a first embodiment, an example in which an operation mode is switchedin an operation mode switching rack will be described. Here, an exampleof the operation mode is an automatic reexamination mode. The firstembodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 8 showing theexample.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the entire configuration ofan automatic analyzer according to an embodiment of the invention.

An automatic analysis system (automatic analyzer) according to thisembodiment includes an examination object rack insertion unit 1, an IDreading unit 2, a transport line 3, an examination object rack standbyunit 4, analysis modules 5, 6, and 7, an examination object rackrecovery unit 8, and an overall management computer 9.

The examination object rack insertion unit 1 is a portion that inserts aplurality of examination object racks that respectively hold a pluralityof examination objects (samples). The analysis modules 5, 6, and 7 aredisposed along the transport line 3 and are removably connected to thetransport line 3. The number of analysis modules can be arbitrarily set,and a case of three analysis modules is described in this embodiment.

The transport line 3 transports the examination object rack to theanalysis modules 5, 6, and 7 in response to an analysis request from theexamination object rack insertion unit 1 or transports the examinationobject rack to the examination object rack standby unit 4 that holds anexamination object having been analyzed in the analysis modules 5, 6,and 7, or transports an examination object rack, for which an analysisrequest has not been given, to the examination object rack recovery unit8.

In addition, the automatic analysis system includes an overallmanagement computer 9 that performs necessary control within theexamination object rack insertion unit 1, the ID reading unit 2, thetransport line 3, the examination object rack standby unit 4, and theexamination object rack recovery unit 8. An operation unit 10 forinputting necessary information and a display unit 11 that displays ananalysis result are further connected to the overall management computer9. In addition, the overall management computer 9 is provided with astorage unit that stores an operation mode of the automatic analyzer,and a control unit that controls the apparatus on the basis of theoperation mode stored in the storage unit. In addition, the control unitcan switch an operation mode, and apply the switched operation mode tothe apparatus.

The examination object held by the examination object rack includes anexamination object ID indicating attribute information (a receptionnumber, a patient name, a requested analysis item, and the like)regarding the examination object, and the examination object rackincludes a rack ID indicating rack identification information such as arack number. Here, the rack ID means an identifier for uniquelyidentifying an individual rack, and examples of a representativeidentifier include a bar code and RFID. In addition, the rack is alsoprovided with a hole for rack identification so that the rack can beuniquely determined from information regarding the presence and absenceof a hole. The presence and absence of a hole can be identified by atransmissive or reflective sensor or the like, and this hole alsocorresponds to an identifier. For example, the apparatus performsconversion into a binarized number or a decimal number by using acombination of two values of the presence and absence of a hole, andthus it is possible to recognize the converted number as rackidentification information such as a rack number.

The examination object rack disposed in the examination object rackinsertion unit 1 is transported by the transport line 3. When theexamination object rack is moved to the transport line 3, an examinationobject ID and an examination object rack ID are read by the ID readingunit 2 and are transmitted to the overall management computer 9. Theoverall management computer 9 determines in which analysis module therequested analysis item is executed, on the basis of the attributeinformation.

Next, the analysis modules 5, 6, and 7 will be described with referenceto FIG. 14 . FIG. 14 is a perspective view illustrating the entireconfiguration of the analysis modules. A biochemical automatic analyzerwill be described as an example.

In the reaction disk 101, a plurality of reaction containers 102 eachhaving a mixture of an examination object (sample), such as blood orurine, and a reagent are arranged on the circumference. A plurality ofreagent bottles 110 can be mounted on the circumference in the reagentdisk 109. A transport line 117 is installed in the vicinity of thereaction disk 101, and the transport line moves an examination objectrack 116 on which examination object containers 115, such as a testtube, which accommodate a sample are loaded. Reagent dispensingmechanisms 107 and 108 that are rotatable and movable in a verticaldirection are installed between the reaction disk 101 and the reagentdisk 109, and include a reagent probe 107 a. A syringe for reagent 118is connected to the reagent probe 107 a. A sample dispensing mechanism111 which is rotatable and movable in a vertical direction is installedbetween the reaction disk 101 and the transport line 117, and includes asample probe 111 a. A sample syringe 119 is connected to the sampleprobe 111 a. The sample probe 111 a moves while drawing circular arcscentering on the rotation axis and performs the suction and dischargingof an examination object from the examination object container 115 tothe reaction container 102.

A cleaning mechanism 103, a light source, a spectrophotometer 104,stirring mechanisms 105 and 106, the reagent disk 109, and the transportline 117 are disposed in the vicinity of the reaction disk 101, and acleaning pump 120 is connected to the cleaning mechanism 103. Cleaningtanks 113, 130, 131, 132, and 133 are disposed on the operation range ofthe reagent dispensing mechanisms 107 and 108, the sample dispensingmechanism 111, and the stirring mechanisms 105 and 106. The examinationobject container 115 including an examination object is loaded on theexamination object rack 116 and is carried by the transport line 117.

In addition, each mechanism is connected to a controller 121, and thecontroller 121 controls each mechanism.

A mixed liquid of an examination object and a reagent within thereaction container 102 is irradiated with light emitted from the lightsource. The emitted light is received by the spectrophotometer 104, andthe controller 121 calculates the concentration of a predeterminedcomponent contained in the examination object from the amount of light(the amount of transmitted light or scattered light of the mixedliquid). Meanwhile, a reagent varies depending on an analysis item. Inthis manner, biochemical automatic analysis is performed.

FIG. 2 illustrates a screen for setting an examination object rack ID.

Examination object type setting 201 is an area in which the range of arack ID for examination object measurement is set with respect to fivetypes such as a blood serum and urine. In this example, the range can beset for each type in a rack for a general examination object and a rackfor an urgent examination object. Rack IDs having numbers in the 50000sare used in the rack for a general examination object, and rack IDshaving numbers in the 40000s are used in the rack for an urgentexamination object. Among these ranges, the range of a rack ID to beused is set for each type of examination object.

An automatic reexamination mode ON rack 202 is an area in which anautomatic reexamination-validated rack ID is defined, and an automaticreexamination mode OFF rack 203 is an area in which an automaticreexamination-invalidated rack ID is defined. A maximum of four rackscan be set for each of the racks 202 and 203. An operator performssetting so that the rack IDs do not overlap each other. A rack ID whichis set by the operator's pressing-down of a registration button 204 isstored in a storage unit of the overall management computer 9.Meanwhile, it is possible to stop the setting of rack by pressing down acancellation button 205, and the operator can move out of the screen.

In this manner, the automatic reexamination-validated rack ID and theautomatic reexamination-invalidated rack ID are stored in the apparatus,and the examination object rack having a set rack ID serves as anoperation mode switching rack. Accordingly, the operator can set anyexamination object rack as an operation mode switching rack.

Meanwhile, the automatic reexamination means that the apparatusautomatically detects that a measurement result for a predeterminedmeasurement item has a value falling outside a reference value, andanalyzes the measurement item again.

FIG. 3 illustrates an example of the installation of an examinationobject rack installed in the rack insertion unit 1.

In this example, it is possible to install an examination objectcontainer for a maximum of five examination objects per examinationobject rack. In the rack insertion unit 1, racks having an examinationobject installed therein are installed in order in which the racks aredesired to be measured. This is an example in a case where a pluralityof examination object racks 302 to be measured in an automaticreexamination mode and an examination object rack 304 not desired to bemeasured in the automatic reexamination mode are provided.

In general, in a case where operation is performed in the automaticreexamination mode, racks are installed in the examination object rackinsertion unit 1 in order of an automatic reexamination mode ON rack301, the plurality of examination object racks 302 to be measured in theautomatic reexamination mode, an automatic reexamination mode OFF rack303, the examination object rack 304 not desired to be measured in theautomatic reexamination, and an automatic reexamination mode ON rack305.

At this time, more preferably, when a mark for distinction from anexamination object rack (302, 304) for measurement is attached to theautomatic reexamination mode ON racks 301 and 303 and the automaticreexamination mode OFF rack 302, it is easy to confirm the racks for theautomatic reexamination mode before the insertion of the racks into theapparatus, and it is possible to prevent an erroneous operation.

When measurement is started from an operation screen of the operationunit 10 after the racks are installed in the insertion unit, the stateof the apparatus transitions from a standby state to a measurementstate. The racks installed in the rack insertion unit 1 are transportedby the transport line 3 in order of the racks 301, 302, 303, 304, and305, and are read by the ID reading unit 2 so that rack IDs andexamination object IDs of examination objects installed in the racks arerecognized. Meanwhile, when an initial state is set to be automaticreexamination validation in advance in a standby state, the automaticreexamination mode ON rack 301 is not necessary.

The rack 301 is read by the ID reading unit 2, and thus the apparatusrecognizes that racks to be subsequently carried thereinto are racks inwhich an automatic reexamination mode is valid, and applies an automaticreexamination validation mode. After a while, the rack 303 is read bythe ID reading unit 2, and thus the apparatus recognizes that racks tobe subsequently carried thereinto are racks in which an automaticreexamination mode is invalid, and applies an automatic reexaminationinvalidation mode. In addition, after a while, the rack 305 is read bythe ID reading unit 2, and thus the apparatus recognizes that racks tobe subsequently carried thereinto are racks in which an automaticreexamination mode is valid, and applies an automatic reexaminationvalidation mode as described above. In this manner, it is possible toapply an automatic reexamination invalidation mode to only the rack 304.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a flow of rack ID identificationprocessing of an automatic reexamination switching rack.

In step 401, the ID reading unit 2 reads a rack ID which is transported.In step 402, the control unit determines the type of rack from the readrack ID and rack ID information which is set in the rack setting screenof FIG. 2 .

When the rack ID indicates an automatic reexamination mode ON rack, thecontrol unit sets an automatic reexamination mode to be in an on-statein step 403. Thereafter, in step 405, the rack is transported to therack recovery unit.

When the rack ID indicates an automatic reexamination mode OFF rack, thecontrol unit sets the automatic reexamination mode to be in an off-statein step 404. Thereafter, in step 405, the rack is transported to therack recovery unit.

In step 402, when the rack ID indicates a rack for a general examinationobject or a rack for an urgent examination object, processing of a firstmeasurement rack of FIG. 5 is executed.

Meanwhile, the rack does not have an examination object container, whichis a measurement object, mounted thereon, and thus is transported to therack recovery unit without stopping by in any of the analysis modules 5,6, and 7.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a flow of rack processing during firstmeasurement.

In step 502, the control unit confirms the automatic reexamination modedetermined in FIG. 4 in units of examination object racks recognized.

In a case where the automatic reexamination mode is turned on, thecontrol unit causes the storage unit to store a fact that rack automaticreexamination of a measurement rack is valid in rack measurementmanagement information for managing the measurement rack, in step 511.In this example, the storage may be performed in units of racks, orautomatic reexamination information may be stored on the basis ofexamination object measurement information managed in units ofexamination objects installed in the rack.

In a case where the automatic reexamination mode is turned off, thecontrol unit causes the storage unit to store a fact that the rackautomatic reexamination of the rack is invalid, in step 512.

In step 503, it is determined whether or not there is a measurementrequest item with respect to all examination objects installed in theexamination object racks.

In a case where there is a request item with respect to the examinationobject racks, a rack transport schedule for determining to whichanalysis module and in what order the examination object racks are to betransported on the basis of the request item is created, in step 504. Instep 505, the examination object racks are transported to necessaryanalysis modules in order on the basis of the rack transport schedule.Examination objects of the examination object racks transported to therespective analysis modules are measured for necessary request items inthe analysis modules.

After the transport of the examination objects to all of the analysismodules required for measurement is terminated, the control unitconfirms automatic reexamination information of the examination objectracks in step 506. In a case where the automatic reexamination is turnedon, the control unit transports the rack to the rack standby unitthrough the transport line and causes the rack to standby in the rackstandby unit until a first measurement result is output, in step 507.

In a case where the automatic reexamination information is turned off,the control unit transports the rack to the rack recovery unit withoutcausing the rack to standby in the rack recovery unit, in step 508. Therack transported to the rack recovery unit can be taken out from theapparatus by an operator.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a flow of rack processing duringreexamination measurement.

When a measurement result corresponding to one examination object isoutput, a reexamination request is created on the basis of themeasurement result in step 602.

In a case where rack automatic reexamination of the examination objectis turned off in step 603, the rack has been already recovered, and thusthe processing is terminated (step 604).

In a case where the rack automatic reexamination is turned on, thecontrol unit determines in step 605 whether all measurement results havebeen output (or whether measurement has been terminated) for theexamination object mounted on the rack.

In a case where all measurement results have not been output for theexamination object of the rack, the rack continues standing by in therack standby unit in step 605.

In a case where all measurement results have been output for theexamination object of the rack, the control unit determines in step 607whether or not there is a reexamination request for all examinationobjects of the rack. Here, the control unit confirms whether or notmeasurement results of respective items fall within a reference value,and determines that there is a reexamination request in a case where itis determined that even one item falls outside the reference value.

In a case where there is no reexamination request, the rack istransported from the rack standby unit to the rack recovery unit in step610. In a case where there is a reexamination request, a rack transportschedule for determining to which analysis module and in what order theexamination object racks are to be transported on the basis of thereexamination request item is created, in step 608.

In step 609, the examination object racks are transported to necessaryanalysis modules in order on the basis of the rack transport schedule.The examination objects of the examination object racks transported tothe respective analysis modules are measured for necessary request itemsin the analysis modules.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an automatic reexamination statedisplay screen which is displayed on the display unit.

Reference numeral 701 denotes automatic reexamination mode display, andthe control unit outputs the state of automatic reexamination to an areawhich is displayed at all times like the state of the apparatus and aclock display.

The automatic reexamination mode display is set to be automaticreexamination ON display when an automatic reexamination ON rack isrecognized, and is set to be automatic reexamination OFF display when anautomatic reexamination OFF rack is recognized. Thereby, an operator canpreviously confirm an automatic reexamination mode of an examinationobject rack to be inserted next. Since this display is switched forevery detection of an operation mode switching rack in a measurementstate, it is possible to confirm the present automatic reexaminationmode in real time. Meanwhile, in a configuration in which automaticreexamination ON or OFF can be set in a standby state as initialsetting, the initial setting may be displayed as the state of automaticreexamination, regardless of whether or not the operation mode switchingrack has been recognized.

Reference numeral 702 indicates the state of validation or invalidationof automatic reexamination for each examination object mounted on a rackduring measurement. The validation and invalidation states are displayedon the basis of rack automatic reexamination information. An examinationobject ID or a rack ID and the validation or invalidation of automaticreexamination are displayed in association with each other, and thus itis possible to confirm whether or not an examination object can be takenout immediately after the examination object or the rack is transportedto the analysis module. That is, when the invalidation of automaticreexamination is displayed, the operator can recognize that thecorresponding examination object or rack can be immediately taken out.

As described so far, the operation mode switching rack can switchbetween a mode in which the examination object rack stands by in theexamination object rack standby unit until a measurement result in theanalysis module is output in a case where the automatic reexamination isvalid and a mode in which the examination object rack is recovered tothe examination object rack recovery unit without standing by in theexamination object rack standby unit in a case where the automaticreexamination is invalid.

As described above, the first embodiment has been described. Theexamination object rack is defined as an operation switching rack, andit is possible to notify the apparatus of an operation switching timingby the operation switching rack by using an ID reading unit of therelated art. Accordingly, it is possible to perform switching betweenthe validation and invalidation of an automatic reexamination mode in ameasurement state without transitioning from the measurement state to astandby state as in the related art. In addition, in the apparatushaving a configuration in which a rack ID is set for each type ofexamination object, it is not necessary to perform range setting for arack ID by multiplying the types of examination objects and thevalidation or invalidation of automatic reexamination together, whichdoes not result in the operator's erroneous arrangement of theexamination objects which is caused by the complication of range settingof a rack ID. In addition, operation is dynamically switched by theoperation switching rack, but the present operation mode is displayed onthe display unit. Thus, the operator can operate an operation mode withrespect to a desired examination object rack without fail.

Example 2

A second embodiment will be described. An operation mode in thisembodiment is a data abnormal value check. Here, the data abnormal valuecheck refers to a check regarding whether or not a measurement result isan abnormal value during the output of the measurement result in ananalysis module.

For example, the data abnormal value check is not performed on anexamination object, such as a dialysis patient examination object, whichhas a data abnormal value at all times, and thus it is possible toprevent wasteful automatic reexamination measurement and to shorten thetime and prevent a wasteful use of the examination object. For thisreason, it may be more useful in a case where a data abnormality checkis not performed depending on a rack. An embodiment in such a case willbe described.

FIGS. 8 to 10 relate to an embodiment in which an operation modeswitching rack is used for switching between the execution andnon-execution of a data abnormal value check.

FIG. 8 illustrates main portions of a screen for setting a rack ID of aswitching rack of a data abnormal value check. The setting of theautomatic reexamination mode in FIG. 2 being replaced with that in FIG.8 is displayed as a rack setting screen.

A data abnormal value check ON rack 801 is an area in which a dataabnormal value check-validated rack ID is defined, and a data abnormalvalue check OFF rack 802 is an area in which an automaticreexamination-invalidated rack ID is defined. A maximum of four rackscan be set for each of the racks 801 and 802. An operator performssetting so that the rack IDs do not overlap each other. A rack ID whichis set by the operator's pressing-down of a registration button 204 isstored in a storage unit of an overall management computer 9.

In a case where a measurement result is the execution of a data abnormalvalue check, racks of examination objects desired to be measured in acase of the execution of the data abnormal value check are inserted sideby side into the apparatus in order behind the data abnormal value checkON rack.

In a case where a measurement result is the non-execution of a dataabnormal value check, racks of examination objects to be measured in acase of the non-execution of the data abnormal value check are insertedside by side into the apparatus in order behind the data abnormal valuecheck OFF rack.

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a flow of rack ID identificationprocessing of a switching rack of a data abnormal value check.

In step 811, an ID reading unit 2 reads a rack ID which is transported.In step 812, a control unit determines the type of rack from the readrack ID and rack ID information which is set in the rack setting screenof FIG. 8 .

When the rack ID indicates a data abnormal value check ON rack, thecontrol unit sets an abnormal value check mode to be in an on-state instep 813. Thereafter, in step 815, the rack is transported to a rackrecovery unit.

When the rack ID indicates a data abnormal value check OFF rack, thecontrol unit sets the abnormal value check mode to be in an off-state instep 814. Thereafter, in step 815, the rack is transported to the rackrecovery unit.

Meanwhile, the rack does not have an examination object container, whichis a measurement object, mounted thereon, and thus is transported to therack recovery unit without stopping by in any of analysis modules 5, 6,and 7.

When the rack ID is a rack for a general examination object or a rackfor an urgent examination object in step 812, the control unitdetermines the data abnormal value check mode in units of recognizedexamination object racks in step 816.

In a case where the data abnormal value check mode is turned on, thecontrol unit causes the storage unit to store a fact that a rackabnormal value check of a measurement rack is valid in rack measurementmanagement information for managing the measurement rack, in step 817.In this example, the storage may be performed in units of racks, or thevalidation or invalidation of an abnormal value check may be stored onthe basis of examination object measurement information managed in unitsof examination objects installed in the rack.

In a case where the data abnormal value check mode is turned off, thecontrol unit causes the storage unit to store a fact that the rackabnormal value check is invalid, in step 818.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a flow of data abnormal value checkprocessing during the output of a measurement result.

When a measurement result for one item of an examination object of arack is output (step 851), it is determined in step 852 whether or not arack abnormal value check is valid or invalid.

When the rack abnormal value check is invalid, the control unit does notperform the data abnormal value check. That is, even when a measurementresult for a predetermined item has a value falling outside a referencevalue, the measurement result is output without displaying an alarmindicating the abnormality of data.

When the rack abnormal value check is valid, the control unit performsthe data abnormal value check in step 853. In a case where the outputmeasurement result is abnormality (falling outside the reference value)in the data abnormal value check, a data alarm indicating dataabnormality is added to the measurement result. In step 854, themeasurement result is registered, and a reexamination request isregistered when an automatic reexamination mode is valid. This isbecause the reexamination request is registered on the basis of the dataalarm indicating data abnormality in a case where the automaticreexamination mode is valid.

Meanwhile, when the rack abnormal value check is invalid, a data alarmindicating data abnormality is not added, and thus a reexaminationrequest is not registered. This is because the reexamination request isregistered on the basis of the data alarm.

When the reexamination request is registered for one or more items amongthe examination objects of the examination object racks aftermeasurement for all of the examination object racks is completed,automatic reexamination measurement is performed. Any reexaminationrequest is not registered, automatic reexamination is not performed, andthe racks are recovered.

As described so far, the operation mode switching rack can switchbetween a mode in which a data alarm is added to a measurement result inan analysis module in a case where a data abnormal value check is validand the measurement result is abnormal and a mode in which a data alarmis not added to the measurement result in the analysis module in a casewhere the data abnormality check is invalid and the measurement resultis abnormal.

As described above, the second embodiment has been described. Theexamination object rack is defined as an operation switching rack, andit is possible to notify the apparatus of an operation switching timingby the operation switching rack by using an ID reading unit of therelated art. Accordingly, it is possible to perform switching betweenthe validation and invalidation of a data abnormal value check in ameasurement state. Thereby, the data abnormal value check is invalidatedeven when an automatic reexamination mode is a valid operation mode, itis possible to prevent wasteful automatic reinspection and to shortenthe time and prevent a wasteful use of the examination object withrespect to an examination object, such as a dialysis patient examinationobject, which has a data abnormal value at all times.

The same effects as those in the first embodiment are obtained in termsof preventing automatic reexamination. However, in a case of the secondembodiment, a data alarm is not added, and thus it is possible toprevent an operator from performing reexamination and the like due toerroneous manual reinsertion into the apparatus in response to an alarm.

Meanwhile, since a description is repeated, and thus the descriptionwill be omitted. However, also in this embodiment, it is also preferableto apply the display of validation or invalidation of the present dataabnormal value check in real time and the display of association betweenan examination object ID or a rack ID and the validation or invalidationof a data abnormal value check, as in FIG. 7 .

Example 3

A third embodiment will be described. An operation mode in thisembodiment is a mode in which an apparatus performs inquiry about ameasurement request item together with a high order host. For example,in a case where an examination object desired to be measured inaccordance with a request item, defined in advance within an apparatus,and an examination object desired to be measured in accordance with arequest item received from a high order host through a network aremixedly present, switching between the execution and non-execution ofinquiry of a host request may be performed in accordance with anexamination object rack. In this case, it is possible to eliminate awasteful host inquiry or a processing time of a response received from ahost with respect to the examination object to be measured in accordancewith the request item defined in advance within the apparatus, and toimprove a throughput of the measurement. In a case where the host doesnot include the corresponding examination object information withrespect to a request inquiry by the apparatus, the host may not return aresponse to the apparatus, and the apparatus waits for measurement untilthe time-out of reception. Effectiveness is exhibited in such a case.

FIGS. 11 to 13 relate to an embodiment in which an operation modeswitching rack is used for switching between the execution andnon-execution of high order host request inquiry.

An overall management computer 9 is connected to a high order hostsystem (hereinafter, also simply referred to as a host) through anetwork, and has a system configuration in which a request item isinquired from the high order host system about an examination objectrecognized by the apparatus, and the apparatus receives a measurementrequest item from the high order host system and performs measurement.

FIG. 11 illustrates main portions of a screen for setting a rack ID of aswitching rack of a host request inquiry. The setting of the automaticreexamination mode in FIG. 2 being replaced with that in FIG. 11 isdisplayed as a rack setting screen.

A host request inquiry ON rack 901 is an area in which a host requestinquiry-validated rack ID is defined, and a host request inquiry OFFrack 902 is an area in which a host request inquiry-invalidated rack IDis defined. A maximum of four racks can be set for each of the racks 901and 902. An operator performs setting so that the rack IDs do notoverlap each other. A rack ID which is set by the operator'spressing-down of a registration button 204 is stored in a storage unitof the overall management computer 9.

In a case of examination objects desired to be measured in accordancewith a request item designated by a host, racks of the examinationobjects desired to be measured in accordance with the request itemdesignated by the host are inserted side by side into the apparatus inorder behind a host inquiry ON rack.

In a case of examination objects desired to be measured in accordancewith a request item registered within the apparatus rather than arequest received from the host, racks of the examination objects desiredto be measured in accordance with the request item registered within theapparatus are inserted side by side into the apparatus in order behind ahost inquiry OFF rack.

FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a flow of rack ID identificationprocessing of a switching rack of a host request inquiry.

In step 911, an ID reading unit 2 reads a rack ID which is transported.In step 912, a control unit determines the type of rack from the readrack ID and rack ID information which is set in the rack setting screenof FIG. 11 .

When the rack ID indicates a host request inquiry ON rack, the controlunit sets a host inquiry mode to be in an on-state in step 913.Thereafter, in step 915, the rack is transported to a rack recoveryunit.

When the rack ID indicates a host request inquiry OFF rack, the controlunit sets the host inquiry mode to be in an off-state in step 914.Thereafter, in step 915, the rack is transported to the rack recoveryunit.

Meanwhile, the rack does not have an examination object container, whichis a measurement object, mounted thereon, and thus is transported to therack recovery unit without stopping by in any of analysis modules 5, 6,and 7.

When the rack ID is a rack for a general examination object or a rackfor an urgent examination object in step 912, the control unitdetermines the host inquiry mode in units of recognized examinationobject racks in step 916.

In a case where the host inquiry mode is turned on, the control unitstores a fact that a host inquiry of a measurement rack is valid(executed) in rack measurement management information for managing themeasurement rack, in step 917. In this example, the storage may beperformed in units of racks, or the validation or invalidation of a hostinquiry may be stored on the basis of examination object measurementinformation managed in units of examination objects installed in therack.

In a case where the host inquiry mode is turned off, the storage unitstores a fact that the host inquiry is invalid, in step 918.

FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a flow of host request inquiryprocessing in units of racks.

In a case where an inserted rack is a general rack or an urgent rack(step 951), a process of applying a request item to the number ofexamination objects mounted on the rack is performed (step 952).

In a case where host inquiry information of the rack is invalid in step953, a measurement request item is not inquired from a host. That is,measurement is executed in accordance with a request item registeredwithin the apparatus.

In a case where the rack host inquiry of the rack is valid, a requestfor the examination objects is inquired from the host in step 954, andthe request item received from the host is applied in step 955, therebyperforming measurement in accordance with the request item.

Request information registered in advance through the screen or the likeof the apparatus is applied to the examination objects in step 956. Atthis time, in a case where the request item from the host is applied instep 954, both the pieces of request information are applied. A flowthereof is performed on all of the examination objects mounted on therack (step 958). Thereafter, a rack transport schedule is created on thebasis of the applied request information, and is transported to a targetanalysis module.

In addition, also in a reexamination creating process (step 602) after afirst measurement result is output, a reexamination request is createdthrough the request item application process of FIG. 13 . For example,when there is a measurement request item added in response to a requestinquiry from the host, a reexamination request is created on the basisof the added measurement request item also in the reexamination request.

As described so far, the high order host system connected to theapparatus through a network is further included, the automatic analyzerinquires a measurement request item corresponding to an examinationobject container from the high order host system, and the correspondingmeasurement request item is received from the high order host system,whereby the measurement request item is measured in the analysis module.An operation mode is a mode regarding whether or not the measurementrequest item is inquired from the high order host system, and anoperation mode switching rack is a rack that switches between theexecution and non-execution of inquiry of the measurement request itemfrom the high order host system.

In addition, the operation mode switching rack can switch between a modein which the inquiry from the high order host system is performed and amode in which a measurement request item registered in the automaticanalyzer is measured by the analysis module without performing inquiryfrom the high order host system.

As described above, the third embodiment has been described. Theexamination object rack is defined as an operation switching rack, andit is possible to notify the apparatus of an operation switching timingby the operation switching rack by using an ID reading unit of therelated art. Accordingly, it is possible to perform switching betweenthe validation and invalidation of a request inquiry of a measurementitem from the host in a measurement state. Thereby, in a case where arequest item defined in advance within the apparatus and an examinationobject desired to be measured in accordance with a request item receivedfrom a high order host through a network are mixedly present, it ispossible to perform operation by switching between the execution andnon-execution of inquiry of a host request in accordance with anexamination object rack and to give a request for a measurement itemcorresponding to conditions in a measurement state.

As described above, the first to third embodiments have been described.As described in the embodiments, the invention includes a detection unitthat detects an operation mode switching rack inserted into an insertionunit, and a control unit that switches an operation mode stored in astorage unit on the basis of the detection of the operation modeswitching rack by the detection unit. The control unit applies theswitched operation mode to an examination object rack transported fromthe insertion unit to a transport line after the operation modeswitching rack.

In the embodiments, an ID reading unit has been described as an exampleof the detection unit. However, the detection unit is not limited to theID reading unit as long as the apparatus can recognize the operationmode switching rack. For example, the shape or color of an operationmode switching rack is made different from that of a normal examinationobject rack, and a shape or color sensor that detects the operation modeswitching rack can also be used. In a case of a shape sensor, forexample, the height of the operation mode switching rack is made largeror smaller than the height of the normal examination object rack, and itis possible to cause the apparatus to recognize the operation modeswitching rack in accordance with the height. An example of the sensoris a height sensor including a plurality of light sources and a lightreceiving unit in a vertical direction. A distinction between theturn-on and turn-off of the operation mode switching rack can be made inaccordance with two-stage heights. In addition, in a case of a colorsensor, the color of the operation mode switching rack is made differentfrom the color of the normal examination object rack, and it is possibleto cause the apparatus to recognize the operation mode switching rack inaccordance with the color. A distinction between the turn-on andturn-off of the operation mode switching rack can be made in accordancewith two colors. In a case where such a shape or color sensor is used,it is possible to perform the same control as that of the ID readingunit as long as an area for setting height or color in a rack settingscreen is provided.

In addition, the detection unit reads an operation mode switching IDattached to a container mounted on an examination object rack instead ofa rack ID attached to the rack, and thus the control unit may switch anoperation mode stored in the storage unit. The operation mode switchingID is an identifier such as a barcode having unique numerals forswitching an operation mode stored therein or RFID. In this case, theoperation mode switching rack is an examination object rack on which acontainer having an operation mode switching ID attached thereto ismounted, and the detection unit detecting the operation mode switchingrack can be considered to be a detection unit that detects the operationmode switching ID. That is, in this specification, a case where theoperation mode switching rack is detected also includes a case where theID of the container mounted on the rack is detected, in addition to acase where an actual rack is detected.

However, it is useful in that the switching of an operation mode can beperformed using a simple method without newly providing the shape orcolor sensor by using a rack ID.

In addition, in the embodiments, a description has been given on theassumption that the operation mode switching rack is an operationmode-validated or invalided rack. However, the invention is not limitedto a choice between validation and invalidation. For example, in a caseof reexamination, the operation mode switching rack may be a rack thatswitches between a mode in which the reexamination is performed in thesame analysis module as the first analysis module and a mode in whichreexamination is performed in a different analysis module.

In addition, it is preferable that the control unit switches the displayof an operation mode displayed on a display unit on the basis of thedetection of the operation mode switching rack by the detection unit.This is because the operator can perform operation while confirming thepresent operation mode.

In addition, it is preferable that the control unit causes the storageunit to store the switched operation mode for each examination objectrack or each examination object container mounted on the examinationobject rack with respect to the examination object rack transportedafter the operation mode switching rack. Thereby, it is possible todisplay an operation mode applied for each examination object rack oreach examination object container.

In addition, a description has been given of three types of operationmodes of an automatic reexamination mode, a mode in which it is checkedwhether or not a measurement result has an abnormal value, and a moderegarding whether or not a measurement request item is inquired from ahigh order host system in a case where the high order host system ispresent, but is not limited thereto. Various applications can be made.

In addition, in the embodiments, a description has been given of anexample in which a distinction between a rack for a general examinationobject and a rack for an urgent examination object is made for theoperation mode switching rack. However, two types of an operation modeswitching rack for the rack for a general examination object and anoperation mode switching rack for the rack for an urgent examinationobject may be used.

In addition, in the embodiments, an ON rack and an OFF rack have beendescribed. However, a switching rack that reverses a mode from ON to OFFand from OFF to ON may be registered in the apparatus.

In addition, in the embodiments, the automatic analyzer including theplurality of analysis modules has been described as an example. However,the invention can also be applied to an automatic analyzer including asingle analysis module.

In addition, a description has been given of an example in which theanalysis module is a biochemical automatic analyzer. However, theinvention can also be applied in a case where the analysis module is animmunity automatic analyzer or a coagulation automatic analyzer.

In addition, a description has been given of an example of a rack onwhich a plurality of examination object containers can be mounted.However, the invention can also be applied to a rack on which oneexamination object container is mounted.

In addition, the invention described in claims is not limited to theembodiments, and includes various embodiments without departing from thescope of the invention.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST

-   -   1: EXAMINATION OBJECT RACK INSERTION UNIT (RACK INSERTION UNIT)    -   2: ID READING UNIT (DETECTION UNIT)    -   3: TRANSPORT LINE    -   4: EXAMINATION OBJECT RACK STANDBY UNIT (RACK STANDBY UNIT)    -   5, 6, 7: ANALYSIS MODULE    -   8: EXAMINATION OBJECT RACK RECOVERY UNIT (RACK RECOVERY UNIT)    -   9: OVERALL MANAGEMENT COMPUTER    -   10: OPERATION UNIT    -   11: DISPLAY UNIT

The invention claimed is:
 1. An analysis method of an automaticanalyzer, the automatic analyzer including an insertion unit into whicha rack is inserted, a transport line that transports the rack, adetection unit that detects a rack identifier from the rack or anattribute from a sample container which accommodates therein a sample asan object to be examined and which is mounted on the rack, an analysismodule that includes a light source and a spectrometer which measures ameasurement value to analyze a sample, a rack standby unit in which therack stands by, and a rack recovery unit that recovers the rack, whereina rack stands by in the rack standby unit until a measurement result inthe analysis module is output and is then transported to the rackrecovery unit, the analysis method comprising: a step of transportingthe rack from the rack insertion unit to the transport line, making thetransported rack stand by in the rack standby unit until the measurementresult in the analysis module is output, and then transporting the rackto the rack recovery unit according to a first mode of automaticreexamination; a step of detecting an identifier from the rack or anattribute from the sample container accommodating the sample and mountedon the rack; a step of determining that a predetermined rack of interestis transported from the rack insertion unit to the transport line, andin response to determining that the predetermined rack of interest istransported from the rack insertion unit to the transport line, changethe first mode to a second mode of invalidating the automaticreexamination; a step of transporting a subsequent rack transportedsubsequent to the predetermined rack of interest to the analysis modulefor examination; a step of determining the examination mode is thesecond mode; and a step of transporting the subsequent rack from theanalysis module to the rack recovery unit without standing by in therack standby unit according to the second mode.
 2. The analysis methodaccording to claim 1, wherein the detection unit is an identification(ID) reading unit that reads a rack ID attached to a rack or a sample IDattached to a sample container, to thereby detect the rack or the samplecontainer.
 3. The analysis method according to claim 1, wherein thedetection unit is a shape or color sensor that detects a rack from ashape or color thereof.
 4. The analysis method according to claim 1,wherein a rack mounts thereon one sample container or a plurality ofsample containers.
 5. The analysis method according to claim 1, whereina sample is categorized into an urgent sample and a general sample, andwherein the analysis method further comprises; when the detection unitdetects an identifier from the rack of interest or an attribute from thesample container of interest: a step of, when a rack for an urgentsample transported subsequent to the rack of interest is transportedfrom the rack insertion unit to the transport line, transporting therack for the urgent sample without standing by in the rack standby unit;and a step of, when a rack for a general sample transported subsequentto the rack of interest is transported from the rack insertion unit tothe transport line, making the rack for the general sample stand by inthe rack standby unit until a measurement result in the analysis moduleis output.
 6. The analysis method according to claim 1, wherein a sampleis categorized into an urgent sample and a general sample, and whereinthe analysis method further comprises: when the detection unit detectsan identifier from the rack of interest or an attribute from the samplecontainer of interest: a step of, when a rack for a general sampletransported subsequent to the rack of interest is transported from therack insertion unit to the transport line, transporting the rack for thegeneral sample to the rack recovery unit without standing by in the rackstandby unit; and a step of, when a rack for an urgent sampletransported subsequent to the rack of interest is transported from therack insertion unit to the transport line, making the rack for theurgent sample stand by in the rack standby unit until a measurementresult in the analysis module is output.
 7. An analysis method of anautomatic analyzer, the automatic analyzer including a rack insertionunit into which a rack is inserted, a transport line that transports therack, a detection unit that detects a rack identifier from the rack oran attribute from a sample container which accommodates therein a sampleas an object to be examined and which is mounted on the rack, ananalysis module that includes a light source and a spectrometer whichmeasures a measurement value to analyze the sample, a rack standby unitin which the rack stands by, a rack recovery unit that recovers therack, wherein the rack is transported from the rack insertion unit tothe transport line, and after a measurement result in the analysismodule is output, the rack is then transported to the rack recovery unitwithout standing by in the rack standby unit, the analysis methodcomprising: a step of transporting the rack from the rack insertion unitto the transport line, and, after the measurement result in the analysismodule is output, transporting the rack to the rack recovery unitwithout standing by in the rack standby unit according to a second mode;a step of detecting an identifier from the rack or an attribute from thesample container accommodating the sample and mounted on the rack; astep of determining that a predetermined rack of interest is transportedfrom the rack insertion unit to the transport line, and in response todetermining that the predetermined rack of interest is transported fromthe rack insertion unit to the transport line, change the second mode toa first mode; a step of transporting a subsequent rack transportedsubsequent to the predetermined rack of interest to the analysis modulefor examination; a step of determining the examination mode is the firstmode; and a step of transporting the subsequent rack from the analysismodule to the rack standby unit and making the subsequent rack stand byin the rack standby unit until the measurement result in the analysismodule is output, and then transporting the subsequent rack to the rackrecovery unit according to the first mode.
 8. The analysis methodaccording to claim 2, wherein the detection unit is an identification(ID) reading unit that reads a rack ID attached to a rack or a sample IDattached to a sample container, to thereby detect the rack or the samplecontainer.
 9. The analysis method according to claim 2, wherein thedetection unit is a shape or color sensor that detects a rack from ashape or color thereof.
 10. The analysis method according to claim 2,wherein a rack mounts thereon one sample container or a plurality ofsample containers.
 11. The analysis method according to claim 2, whereina sample is categorized into an urgent sample and a general sample, andwherein the analysis method further comprises: when the detection unitdetects an identifier from the rack of interest or an attribute from thesample container of interest: a step of, when a rack for an urgentsample transported subsequent to the rack of interest is transportedfrom the rack insertion unit to the transport line, transporting therack for the urgent sample without standing by in the rack standby unit;and a step of, when a rack for a general sample transported subsequentto the rack of interest is transported from the rack insertion unit tothe transport line, making the rack for the general sample stand by inthe rack standby unit until a measurement result in the analysis moduleis output.
 12. The analysis method according to claim 2, wherein asample is categorized into an urgent sample and a general sample, andwherein the analysis method further comprises, when the detection unitdetects an identifier from the rack of interest or an attribute from thesample container of interest: a step of, when a rack for a generalsample transported subsequent to the rack of interest is transportedfrom the rack insertion unit to the transport line, transporting therack for the general sample to the rack recovery unit without standingby in the rack standby unit; and a step of, when a rack for an urgentsample transported subsequent to the rack of interest is transportedfrom the rack insertion unit to the transport line, making the rack forthe urgent sample stand by in the rack standby unit until a measurementresult in the analysis module is output.